Minutes:
a) Hack Sand Track, foot of Walton Downs. The Council’s Head of Legal and Democratic Services informed the Conservators that a written report regarding this matter would be presented to the next meeting.
b) Downs House. The Council’s Head of Legal and Democratic Services informed the Conservators that the sale of Downs House had been completed, and that it was now in private ownership.
c) Epsom Golf Club unauthorised development and other matters. The Council’s Head of Legal and Democratic Services informed the Conservators that a written report regarding this matter would be presented to the next meeting.
d) Access to the Tattenham Corner Road crossing for pedestrians walking from Tattenham Corner Station. The Vice Chairman informed the Conservators that this issue had been considered by the Epsom and Walton Downs Consultative Committee during its Downs Tour held on the 1 October. During the Committee’s visit to the location, Angela Clifford, representative of the Epsom Civic Society had suggested that the Racecourse running rail running parallel to Tattenham Corner Road on the eastern side of the road be reversed to provide more space for pedestrians. This had been implemented by the Racecourse, in addition to the protruding end sections of other rails also being removed. These works had improved pedestrian access for the area, but the Racecourse would continue to monitor the issue. The Downs Manager informed the Conservators that she had requested Surrey County Council Highways Service to provide its opinion of the location.
e) Dog control on the Downs. The Conservators received draft wording for new dog walking information signs which had been proposed by the Training Grounds Management Board. The Streetcare Manager informed the Conservators that she had now received a copy of a report commissioned by the Training Grounds Management Board with regard to dog control.
The Conservators were informed that the Training Grounds Management Board proposed to replace all existing dog walking information signs on the Downs with the new design once it had been approved. The Conservators considered the visual design and content of the sign, and expressed support for its introduction. Elements of the sign required further consideration prior to its final approval, and it was suggested that the Chairman and Clerk be authorised to approve them.
The Conservators considered the proposed wording for the dog walking information signs and agreed:
· To authorise the Clerk in consultation with the Chairman to approve the final wording and design.
f) Gypsy Site Management arrangements. The Chairman informed the Conservators that she had held a meeting with the Downs Manager, Streetcare Manager and Mr Simon Durrant regarding arrangements for the Derby Gypsy Site’s management. The meeting had considered the views expressed at meetings of the Conservators, Epsom and Walton Downs Consultative Committee and by local residents with regard to the issue.
The meeting had considered previous proposals to increase the height and sturdiness of fencing for the site, but considered that this should not be recommended as it was likely to be perceived as a challenge to be overcome by some users of the site. The clearance of scrub and vegetation from neighbouring woodland had also been discussed. It had been considered that this should also not be recommended, as it was unlikely to discourage their use as a toilet. Vegetation clearance at this location might also encourage some users of the site to attempt to make vehicular access to other parts of the Downs.
The Chairman informed the Conservators that the meeting had also considered the possibility of seeking an alternative (security) company to manage the site in future years, but considered that this should not be recommended, as it would be highly expensive, yet unlikely to provide a better environment. It was noted that the current Gypsy Site Manager was a member of the gypsy and traveller community who was employed by the Conservators to manage the site. The meeting had also noted that opening the site a day early had in some years been permitted in order to assist in resolving issues elsewhere in the Borough, and recommended that this should continue to be considered when appropriate.
The Chairman informed the Conservators that those present at the meeting had expressed the opinion that whist not perfect, the current site arrangements were the best option available. The Conservators noted this verbal report from the Chairman, and that Officers would continue to work with the site manager to attempt to improve the situation.
g) Number of verbal reports provided. It was noted that the agenda papers issued for the meeting had listed 6 matters within this item as being for verbal update at the meeting. A member of the Conservators expressed frustration at this and requested that written updates should be provided whenever possible. The Chairman informed the Conservators that due to the scheduling of meetings of the Epsom and Walton Downs Consultative Committee and Training Grounds Management Board being in close proximity to that of the Conservators, it had not been possible to include written updates when the agenda papers were published.